(GJM) Protesters Torched 3 Darjeeling Toy Train Stations

Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) protest is still on the fire from the last two months, On 8th July the bandh supporters torched the Sonada station. Another station named Gayabari was also set on fire on 13 July and on the same night, an arson attack was attempted on the Elysia Building in Kurseong. The ground floor of the two-storey building in Kurseong was damaged by the protesters and in addition to it stations were gutted after it. Unesco has expressed concern over safety of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) properties in West Bengal.

Unesco officials had a detailed discussion with the railway board authoritis after train stations were vandalised by the protesters. UN agency as a world heritage site since 1999, DHR recognised by the damages made during the ongoing strike in the hills.

“Operational guidelines for the implementation of the World Heritage Convention” will be taken as per the central government compliance because Unesco authorities has sent two letters on June 26 and the other on July to the government.

Few days before the GJM supporters had ransacked the Mahanadi station and a notice was issued to halt the train services. Due to which the Railway officials held discussions with the state government on using the central force to provide security to the railway properties in the hills.

Pranabjyori Sharma, CRPO DHR, said “Shocked to hear the attacks on toy train. We have spoken to the state govt on law and order issue.” in this way CRPO showed concern for the ongoing protest.